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Update on Incident at 1000 Thompson

August 17, 2005 -- Charges have been filed against a suspect in the fatal shooting of a man at 1000 Thompson on August 13, 2005 about 10:10 p.m.

The suspect, Alberto Valenzuela, a.k.a. "The Guatemalan" (w/m DOB: 2-01-73), has been arrested and charged with murder in the 263rd State District Court. The victim, Abel Vasquez, who was in his 30s, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at Ben Taub General Hospital.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeants C.W. Howard, M. W. McStravick, B. J. Harris and Officer T. J. McCorvey reported:

Vasquez and Valenzuela were arguing a short distance from where the shooting occurred. Valenzuela walked away and Vasquez followed him. They engaged in a physical altercation and Valenzuela shot Vasquez with a small caliber pistol.

Witnesses at the scene gave an excellent description of Valenzuela. The next day, patrol officers in the area responded to a suspicious person call and noticed that the person matched the description of the homicide suspect and Valenzuela was arrested.

It appears that Valenzuela had an on-going dispute with Vasquez.

Update: JGA/MES 8-16-05
JGA 8-14-05
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For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.